The Interlake Thunder captured the Rural Manitoba Football League championship in their debut season last year and after their season opener against the Moosomin Generals, there was no reason to believe they wouldn’t repeat this season.

Interlake rumbled on the gridiron with a 77-6 demolition of the Generals at Stonewall Collegiate Institute on Sept. 7. Quarterback Josh Charison of Teulon made 13 of 19 passes for 227 yards and three touchdowns, while receiver/backup pivot Carter Fuerst from Beausejour was two-for-two for 45 yards and another touchdown.

Brady Delaroque of Warren was the star of the Thunder offence, rushing for 126 yards on eight carries for two touchdowns, making three catches for 91 yards and another major and scoring another touchdown on a 70-yard kick return. Graeme Perrie of Stonewall also had eight carries and two touchdowns on 172 yards, while catching five passes for 95 yards and tallying another six points. Kelby Arendt of Lockport and Karson Karish of Fraserwood also scored majors.

Benjamin Olafson of St. Andrews led the defense with eight tackles, two sacks, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery.

“Despite being a relatively young group, (we) are still seeking to create an identity as a team,” Kris Johnston, Interlake’s vice president of football operations wrote in an email to The Stonewall Argus and Teulon Times. “You’d expect there to be a little bit of sloppy play in the first game of the season. Both teams were definitely looking to work out some kinks and are starting to create chemistry amongst their athletes.”

He also had praise for the team’s defence.

“Both Olafson and Aden McLean (of Lockport) made plays all over the field, setting a physical tone,” Johnston added.

The Thunder play the Park West Outlaws at Shoal Lake School on Sept. 13 before returning to SCI to face the Virden Golden Bears on Sept. 19 at 4:30 p.m.

Atoms defeat Coyotes

Interlake’s atom squad improved their record to 2-3 this season with a narrow victory over the Sunrise Coyotes 15-12 earlier in the day at SCI.

The team will have a bye week before facing the Valour Patriots at SCI on Sept. 22 at noon.

The Thunder crunchers squad also played their Sunrise counterparts, also at SCI on Sept. 8.